The day you notice that first little tooth poking through your baby’s gummy smile is so exciting, isn’t it? Teeth change the shape of our face, and there are few things more endearing than a little one proudly showing off their brand-new pearly whites.

When it comes to the moments that matter, there’s not much in life that outranks parenthood. From that first heart-stopping realisation that you’re actually, really pregnant, to your baby’s first gummy smile, to the moment you finally manage to convince your little one to try broccoli, life as a parent is chock-full of little victories and big laughs, and dozens of moments you hope never to forget.

Is your toddler... how shall we put this... bananas about bananas? Or perhaps in your house, it’s sweet potato, or pasta? Most toddlers are prone to having food favourites, and as you’ve probably already realised, they can often adore their fave food of the moment to the exclusion of just about everything else – no matter how carefully prepared or creatively presented it is.

As all parents know, toddlers are some of the most adorable little people on the planet – and what with those kissable cheeks, those gorgeous baby curls and that tendency to give big, loving hugs, how could they not be? But as parents also know, these exact same fonts of cuteness also have the power to drive you right to distraction... and they do tend to use it. Just about every day.

Learning to use the potty is an important milestone for all toddlers – but it’s a good idea to remember that potty training is not a one-size-fits-all pursuit. Just as little boys and girls can be startlingly different in the ways they learn and play, they tend to approach toileting quite differently, too. So to give you a head start (and hopefully save some head-shaking), here are a few gender-specific strategies to help you get your toddler from nappies to knickers with the least fuss.

When it comes to true cutting-edge style, even the most ardent fashionista would have a tough time competing with your average toddler. Starting at around age three, many toddlers suddenly turn into tiny style mavens, obsessed with making fashion choices for themselves. And, as any parent knows, this can result in some rather interesting outfits.

Let’s face it, parents... we love them dearly, but we all know toddlers can be some seriously grubby little people. It just comes naturally to them – after all, there are just so many interesting bits to pick up off the ground (not to mention that squishy thing they found under the sofa!) Yes, the nightly bath is a big help, but starting at around 15-18 months old, you will probably also want to start introducing your toddler to the fine art of handwashing.

It’s a bit of a rite of passage in the parenting world: the nappy change to end all nappy changes, the one that makes even the most affectionate mum or dad recoil and wonder, “What on earth have we been FEEDING this child?” It’s the dreaded poonami, and if you haven’t experienced one yet, we’re sorry, but you will soon.

Many doctors say this is an old wives’ tale, but it’s a persistent one, and for a very good reason: for lots of babies, the appearance of those first tiny teeth is accompanied by a rather red, sore bottom.